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Home 2026-2027 Catalog Development While You Are Here Financial Aid California Dream Act Application

California Dream Act Application

The California Dream Act allows undocumented and nonresident students who qualify for a non-resident exemption under AB 540, AB 2000, or SB 68 to receive certain types of state-based financial aid. The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is separate from the FAFSA and is unrelated to the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Students should only complete one of these financial aid applications–not both.

Confidentiality: All information submitted through the CADAA is kept private and protected. It is not shared with federal agencies and will not affect immigration status or future immigration applications.

Who Can Apply?

You may complete the CADAA if:

  • You are one of the following:
    • Undocumented
    • A DACA recipient (valid or expired)
    • A U Visa holder
    • A Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holder
    • An asylum seeker with a pending case
    • A student from a mixed-status family*

*You are considered part of a mixed-status family if:

  • You are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, and
  • Your parent(s) or spouse (FAFSA contributors) do not have a Social Security Number (SSN).

Financial Aid Available for Undocumented Students

Eligible students may qualify for the following:

  • State grants (California College Promise Grant, Cal Grants, Chafee Grants, and Student Success Completion Grant)
  • Campus support programs (EOPS, CARE, or CalWORKs)
  • Certain scholarships
  • Los Rios Promise Program

To simplify the process, the CADAA automatically includes the AB 540 affidavit required for financial aid eligibility.

CADAA Priority Filing Deadline

To be considered for state financial aid, submit your CADAA by the March 3, 2026 priority deadline. You may not qualify for a Cal Grant if you submit after the priority deadline.

Academic Year 2026-2027

The 2025-2026 academic year includes fall 2026, spring 2027, and summer 2027.

  • Application available: October 1, 2025
  • Priority deadline: March 3, 2026
  • Tax year used: 2024

Federal School Code

American River College's federal school code is 001232. Make sure you include this on your financial aid application if you want to receive financial aid at American River College.

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